ACPO comment on electoral malpractice report

Speaking on behalf of police forces across the United Kingdom, Assistant Chief Constable Gary Cann said:

“This report emphasises how seriously the police service takes attempts to undermine the democratic process. Where disruption to the electoral system is suspected, police forces will liaise with the returning officer to thoroughly investigate potential malpractice.

“As we approach elections in all the constituent nations of the United Kingdom in May, as well as the national referendum on voting reform, ACPO and ACPOS continue to work with the Electoral Commission to support police forces in preventing and detecting electoral irregularities. Anyone found to be acting illegally or in breach of the strict electoral code of practice will be reported and, if prosecuted, could face a significant fine or lengthy prison sentence. We encourage anyone who suspects unlawful conduct to report the matter to the police.”

For the Electoral Commission’s report into electoral malpractice go to: http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Cann is speaking on this occasion on behalf of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS). ACPOS lead for electoral fraud is ACC Mike McCormick and he can be contacted for Scotland specific enquiries

ACPO press office (for enquiries specific to England, Wales and Northern Ireland): 020 7084 8948, press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk, www.acpo.police.uk.

ACPOS press office (for Scotland specific enquiries): 0141 435 1240, communications@acpos.pnn.police.uk, www.acpos.police.uk.

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk